Sunday, November 30, 2008

Toronto Back Alleys pt. 17

A break from the night time drawings of alleyways I've posted lately. This one's a winter one, which I did as a card for the holiday season. Like many of the others, this one was also done in ink markers, with a little drybrush thrown in for texture.

Alan: thanks, Alan. Very flattering that you surfed through the rest of my blog to check those out.

Chrissie A: Thanks, Chrissie. Love the recent stuff on your blog too.

J: thanks, buddy. To answer your question, no I don't make them up. They're all based on actual locations within a 20 block radius of my house. I usually walk around and draw some sketches and take some pics before doing the final drawing. With the winter ones, I skip the sketching -- I hate frostbite on my fingers.

I doubt I could do them without some reference -- half the point is getting all the little details that make up the scene; like the satellite dishes, clotheslines, etc. But I've drawn enough of these that nowadays, when I make up a street scene, I can fill it up with all sorts of interesting bits.

Very nice-draws me right in. I wanted to thank you for the perspective grids you shared on another site, but am not a member and couldn't post there. Enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your work. Happy New Year!Tess

Damn, Mike. You've been on a posting tear. These are exceptional images. I particularly love the Toronto back alley images. These have such depth and atmosphere. I'll try to visit more often.Happy New Year, btw!

Please note that I do not do accept any private commissions (comic character sketches, family portraits, etc). I also do not sell any prints of my work online. Sketches and prints can usually be purchased at events that I am personally attending. Thanks for your understanding.

Upcoming Appearances

Wizard World, New Orleans, Jan 9-11th, New Orleans
I'll be making an appearance down south in New Orleans for the Wizard World convention, signing books and selling prints and sketches.

More events are planned for 2015. I'll post details here when things are confirmed.